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Audio podcasts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Listeners get the concept | Can’t show visual content |
| Focus on spoken content | No body language cues |
| Can be easier for hosts and guests | Fewer ways to promote – no live |
| Uses less internet data | Listeners might get distracted |
| Less equipment (in theory) | Miss video audience/some channels |
Audio editing
While audio podcasts usually get edited, that’s also easier than ever with tools like Riverside.
Read next: How to write podcast show notes
Video podcasts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Closer connection potentially to host and guest | Need more equipment (in theory) |
| Work well as livestreams | Can be more complex to produce |
| Shows facial expressions | Some people feel nervous on camera |
| Easier to share on social media since networks like video | Takes up more storage space |
| Personalities come across |
Unique challenges of video podcasting
Video podcasts come with their own set of challenges:
- Dealing with lighting issues, like reflections in glasses
- Making eye contact with the camera instead of the screen
- Setting up more equipment, such as cameras, lights, and backdrops
- Managing larger file sizes for recording and sharing
Choosing the right format
Video podcast vs. audio podcast. It’s an easy answer from the perspective of getting the most out of the content. The video can also be hacked up for more social video clips, for example. Some audio podcasts record video when they record so they can get these video clips. But that’s a lot of unused video footage, in my opinion.
Read next: How to create audiograms for podcasts
Some other things to consider:
Personality. I hardly ever show something visual on my video podcasts, so it’s usually not about demonstrating something. But with the right setup, seeing the host or guest can really help those people and their companies stand out. It’s a closer connection.
Where can you reach the most people. Building a new audience on new podcast channels takes time. Doing a live video podcast to existing channels can accelerate the show’s growth.
Think about available tools and skills. Video, in theory, needs more equipment and know-how. But most everyone now has a webcam, and you can start with just that and a microphone. Then, build from there over time. You need a microphone for an audio podcast as well.
Different platforms prefer different formats. YouTube is great for video, Spotify has video, but Apple Podcasts is audio. The platform choice can affect the format decision.
Looking for a 4K webcam? Try this one.
Personal comfort is important, too. Some hosts feel better without cameras, leading to more natural talks. Others do well on camera, using body language to communicate better.
Many podcasters now use both formats. They record video but also offer audio-only versions. This way, they get the best of both worlds and can reach more listeners. This way, they get the best of both worlds and can reach more listeners.
“People will often consume both the audio and video versions of a podcast that has a video version, and they will make that choice dependent on their environment, their circumstances,” said Tom Webster on Episode 705 of “The Business Storytelling Podcast.”
“So if they’re commuting or in the car, you know, they may choose to listen to a show, but if they’re at home alone, they may choose to watch.”
In the end, how you can create good content and where you can reach your audience are the top things to consider. And for now, it seems doing a livestreamed video podcast that also has an audio version is the way to go for companies launching a branded podcast.